Compositions comprising probiotics and methods of use thereof

Abstract

The present invention provides compositions comprising a probiotc in admixture with an effective amount of an amphipathic substance that enhances viability of the probiotic in the composition when the composition is subjected to heat.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A composition comprising a probiotic in admixture with an effective amount of an amphipathic substance, wherein the composition is made by a process comprising:
 i) adding an effective amount of the amphipathic substance to a composition comprising the probiotic; and 
 ii) subjecting the composition to heat at a temperature of between 50° C. and 100° C., wherein the amphipathic substance enhances viability of the probiotic in the composition when the composition is subjected to a temperature of at least between 50° C. and 100° C., wherein the ratio (w/w) of the amphipathic substance to the probiotic ranges from about 1:1 to about 25:1, 
 wherein the probiotic is  Pediococcus acidilactici , and 
 wherein the amphipathic substance comprises lecithin, peanut butter, almond butter, soy butter or cookie butter. 
 
     
     
       2. The composition of  claim 1 , further comprising an oil that is mixed with the amphipathic substance and probiotic. 
     
     
       3. The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the composition forms a lipid paste and the amphipathic substance serves as the carrier for the probiotic. 
     
     
       4. The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the probiotic is  Pediococcus acidilactici  NRRL B-50517. 
     
     
       5. The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the composition is subjected to a temperature of between 65° C.-100° C. 
     
     
       6. The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the ratio (w/w) of the amphipathic substance to the probiotic ranges from about 1:1 to about 10:1. 
     
     
       7. The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the ratio (w/w) of the amphipathic substance to the probiotic ranges from about 10:1 to about 25:1.